Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Vending machines+computers=comedy


 The MC Atrium got a little interesting last Wednesday. The video touch screen vending machine generated a small controversy last semester when then Stater writer Kristen Mott criticized the addition of the computerized vending machine when there were more pressing needs around campus. Since then, the reception to the machine has been lukewarm. Some consider the constant ads blaring out irritating. Others think the old non-computerized machine was just fine. I'm inclined to agree

Even though I'm rather young by comparison to others who say things like this, it still needs to be said: Not every minor thing needs a computer inside of it. Vending machines are one such thing. My university got this touch screen one that plays ads. It really is kind of useless. Why get a more expensive version of a machine that does the same job (dispense junk food in exchange for money)? Then you have to factor in that now instead of calling in an average vending machine repair guy when it breaks down for some reason, you now have to get an IT guy as well. And computers don't always work as well as they should. Case in point:

As I rolled by the touch screen vending machine in the MC, I saw something strange. Instead of the images of food, there was a website with Victoria's Secret models. I actually checked to confirm that it was in fact still a vending machine and not one of those turn key terminals that were advertised in the late 90s early 2000s but no one could seem to find. I will admit I looked dumb but it was my only method of processing this.

Now I am not entirely sure how this happened. So far I haven't been able to contact anyone who could start explaining it. My best guesses are 1. It was hacked by someone who was really bored but not hungry for junk food and had just enough taste to not have the vending machine show actual pornography. 2. The machine went on the fritz and someone moved it to the Internet before it got off the fritz. 3. An incredibly weird ad campaign run by people who don't know what they are doing.

It gets better. Whoever did this, downloaded Shockwave Flash. Basically it turned the machine into a Youtube enabled ENIVAC (one of the large early computers). A bunch of my acquaintances proceeded to play some viral video dance music on it. Specifically Gangam Style by PSY.
My first inclination was to call security but A. I didn't have my cell phone. B. What would I have said? The vending machine can now browse the Internet? C. Chances are they would've told me to call some other person who was probably not in the office anyway.

So I did the only logical thing. Just sit back and watch the absurdity unfold. It resolved itself after about 10 minutes but they were the second funniest 10 minutes of my life.

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